Fastening arrangement and method

ABSTRACT

A fastening arrangement and method are provided for coupling a pair of frame members together. The fastening arrangement includes an insert receivable in a slot of one of the frame members. A fastener couples the insert with a receiver, such as a nut or a second insert, receivable in the other of the frame members. The insert includes a notch or similar indicator for indicating the appropriate depth to which the insert is to be driven relative to one of the frame members. The insert includes a threaded portion. The threads of the threaded portion are configured to be embedded into one of the frame members as the insert is driven relative to one of the frame members to secure the insert thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fastening arrangements, andin particular, to a fastening arrangement for mechanically interlockingstructural frame members together.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As is known, structural frame members are used in the construction of awide variety of products, including everything from automation equipmentand furniture to buildings and the like. Typically, these structuralframe members take the form of horizontal and vertical frame memberstied together by corner pieces, joints or bonding to form a desiredframe. Coverings, such as panels, may be secured to the frame members toprovide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, variouscomponents may be interconnected to the structural frame members toallow for the constructed product to be used for its intended purpose.By way of example, hinges may be interconnected to the structural framemembers to facilitate the mounting of a door thereto. Alternatively,sliders may be interconnected to the sides of a structural frame membersso as to allow the frame to function as a drawer. It can be appreciatedthat other types of components may be interconnected to the structuralframe members to facilitate the intended purpose thereof.

Typically, the frame members defining the product or frame are heldtogether by means of friction. For examples, nut and bolt combinationsare often used to secure horizontal and vertical frame members together.However, the nut and bolt combinations holding the structural framemembers together often come loose over time when subjected to vibrationand/or the environment. As the nut and bolt combinations loosen, theintegrity of the frame or product constructed from the structural framemembers may be compromised. Further, as the nut and bolt combinationsloosen, the frame members and the components therefore may rotate withrespect to one another, thereby compromising the alignment of thestructural frame members.

Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present inventionto provide to a fastening arrangement incorporating an insert formechanically interlocking a pair of structural frame members to eachother wherein the structural frame members remain interlocked duringrepeated use.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide afastening arrangement incorporating an insert for mechanicallyinterlocking a pair of structural frame members to each other whereinthe frame members may be simply and easily connected.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention toprovide a fastening arrangement incorporating an insert for mechanicallyinterlocking a pair of structural frame members to each other so as toallow the frame members to be adapted for a variety of uses.

In accordance with the present invention, a fastening arrangement isprovided for joining first and second frame members to one another. Eachof the first and second frame members includes an elongated slot formedtherein and a first face communicating with the slot. The fasteningarrangement includes a first insert receivable in the slot of the firstframe member. The first insert has a first and second opposite ends, anouter surface having threaded portion and notch formed therein, and athrough bore. A fastener is extendable through the through bore of thefirst insert and includes a threaded portion. A receiver is receivablewithin the slot in the second frame member and is adapted for receivingat least a portion of the threaded portion of the fastener therein forcoupling the first and second frame members. The notch in the outersurface of the first insert is generally co-planar with the face of thefirst frame member with the first insert received in the slot of thefirst frame member so as to align the first insert within the slot ofthe first frame member.

The receiver may include a nut having a bore for receiving the threadedportion of the fastener therein in a mating relationship. Alternatively,the receiver may include a second insert receivable in the slot of thesecond frame member. The second insert includes first and secondopposite ends, and an inner surface defining a through boretherebetween. The inner surface includes a threaded portion adapted forreceiving the threaded portion of the fastener in a mating relationship.A centering member is positionable between the first and second insertsfor centering the first and second inserts relative to one another alonga common axis.

The threaded portion of the outer surface of the first insert isembeddable in the first frame member for securing the first insertthereto. The first insert extends along an axis and the outer surface ofthe first insert expands radially outward with respect to the axis inresponse to the threading of the threaded portion of the fastener intothe receiver. The slot in the first frame member extends along an axisbetween the first face and a second face thereof and the first insertextends along the axis of the slot in the first frame member. The slotin the second frame member also extends along an axis between the firstface and a second face thereof. The second insert extends along the axisof the slot in the second frame member.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, afastening arrangement is provided for joining first and second framemembers to one another. Each of the first and second frame membersincludes an elongated slot formed therein and a first face communicatingwith the slot. The fastening arrangement includes a first insertreceivable in the slot of the first frame member. The first insert hasfirst and second opposite ends, an outer surface having threadedportion, and a through bore. A fastener is extendable through thethrough bore of the first insert and includes a threaded portion. Areceiver is receivable within the slot in the second frame member and isadapted for receiving at least a portion of the threaded portion of thefastener therein for coupling the first and second frame members. Acentering member is positionable between the first and second insertsfor centering the first and second inserts relative to one another alonga common axis with the first and second frame members coupled.

The receiver may include a bore for receiving the threaded portion ofthe fastener therein in a mating relationship. For example, the receivermay include a second insert receivable in the slot of the second framemember. The second insert includes a first and second opposite ends, andan inner surface defining a through bore therebetween. The inner surfacehas a threaded portion adapted for receiving the threaded portion of thefastener in a mating relationship. The threaded portion of the outersurface of the first insert is embeddable in the first frame member forsecuring the first insert thereto.

The first insert extends along an axis and the outer surface of thefirst insert expands radially outward with respect to the axis inresponse to the threading of the threaded portion of the fastener intothe receiver. The outer surface of the first insert may includes a notchformed therein. The slot in the first frame member extends along an axisbetween the first face and a second face thereof. The first insert isinserted into the slot of the first frame member along the axis thereof.The notch in the outer surface of the first insert is aligned with thefirst face of the first frame member with the first insert properlyreceived in the slot of the first frame member.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, amethod is provided of joining first and second frame members to oneanother. Each of the first and second frame members includes anelongated slot formed therein and a first face communicating with theslot. The method includes the step of positioning a first insert intothe slot of the first frame member such that an indicator on a surfaceof the first insert is generally co-planar with the first face of thefirst frame member. A receiver having a bore is placed into the slot ofthe second frame member and a fastener is inserted through the firstinsert and into engagement with the receiver so as to join the firstframe member and the second frame member.

The step of inserting the fastener may include the additional step ofurging the surface of the first insert outward in response to theengagement of the fastener into the receiver. The first and second framemembers may be positioned perpendicular to one another or longitudinallyaligned relative to one another. The receiver may include a secondinsert receivable in the slot of the second frame member. The secondinsert includes first and second opposite ends, and an inner surfacedefining a through bore therebetween. The inner surface of the secondinsert is adapted for receiving the fastener in a mating relationship. Acentering member may be positioned between the first insert and thesecond insert to center the first and second frame inserts relative toone another along a common axis as the first frame member and the secondframe member are joined. The receiver may include a nut having a boretherethrough for receiving the fastener in a mating relationship.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction ofthe present invention in which the above advantages and features areclearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understoodfrom the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded isometric view of a frame assemblyincluding first and second rails connected to one another via afastening arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is top plan view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the frame assembly taken along line3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the frame assembly taken along line4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a frame assembly including firstand second rails connected to one another via an alternative embodimentof a fastening arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the frame assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly taken along line7-7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly taken along line8-8 of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the Drawings, and initially FIG. 1, a frame assembly 10constructed from components in accordance with the present invention isillustrated. As hereinafter described, the components of the presentinvention may be used to construct frame assemblies of variousconfigurations. As such, frame assembly 10 is merely exemplary of thetype of frame assembly that may be constructed utilizing the componentsof the presents. Other configurations of frame assembly 10 arecontemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

The frame assembly 10 includes a first frame member 12 which may beselectively coupled to a second frame member 14 by means of fasteningarrangement 16. Fastening arrangement 16 includes insert 18, nut 20 andfastener 22, such as a screw, bolt or the like. The frame assembly 10may be configured to cooperate with one or more additional frameassemblies or frame members to form a structure, such as a door frame orthe like.

With additional reference to FIG. 3, it is noted that first and secondframe members 12 and 14, respectively, are identical in structure and,as such, the description hereinafter of the first frame member 14 isunderstood to describe the second frame member 16, as if fully describedherein. First frame member 12 has a generally square configuration andextends along a longitudinal axis. First frame member 12 is defined byfour faces 24 a-24 d. Each face 24 a-24 d is identical in structure, andas such, the description hereinafter of face 24 a is understood todescribe faces 24 b-24 d, as if fully described herein. Face 24 a of thefirst frame member 12 is generally flat and includes a slot 26 thatextends along the entire length of the first frame member 12 betweenends 25 and 27. Each slot 26 is defined by first and second sidewalls 28and 30, respectively, extending from face 24 a at an angle with respectthereto. It is contemplated that the angle fall within the range of 1degree and 89 degrees but is preferably between about 30 to 80 degreesand most preferably about 65 degrees. Slot 26 is further defined byfirst and second outer abutment walls 32 and 34 respectively, whichdiverge from corresponding terminal edges 28 a and 30 a, respectively,of first and second sidewalls 28 and 30, respectively. First abutmentwall 32 is at an angle to first sidewall 28 and second abutment wall 34is at an angle to second sidewall 30. First and second inner abutmentwalls 36 and 38, respectively, diverge from each other and extend frominner edges 32 a and 34 a, respectively, of first and second outerabutment walls 32 and 34, respectively. Concave terminal wall 40 extendsbetween terminal edges 36 a and 38 a, respectively, of first and secondinner abutment walls 36 and 38, respectively. Slot 26 is configured toconform to the shape of nuts 20 received therein as will be described.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, insert 18 is generallycylindrically shaped and includes a first end 42, a second opposite end44, and an outer surface 43. Insert 18 further includes an inner surface75 defining through-bore 46 or opening through which fastener 22 may bereceived. The inner diameter of insert 18 may be similarly sized to theouter diameter of fastener 22 to form a secure connection therebetween.Head portion 48 is provided at first end 42 of insert 18 and defines anoutwardly extending collar integrally formed with the rest of insert 18.Head portion 48 includes a recess 49 communicating with bore 46 toreceive the shaft of fastener 22 therethrough. Recess 49 in first end 42of insert 18 defines a socket 50 having a hexagonal or other polygonalor non-polygonal cross-section adapted for receiving a tool or otherinstrument configured for engagement therewith in a mating relationship.It can be appreciated that socket 50 may have other configurationswithout deviating from the scope of the present invention.

As best seen in FIG. 4, outer surface 43 of insert 18 includes aterminal portion 52 adjacent second end 44 thereof. Terminal portion 52of outer surface 43 has a generally frustoconical configuration adaptedto be received between first and second sidewalls 28 and 30,respectively, defining slot 26 in a corresponding face 24 b-24 d of aframe member, e.g. first and second frame members 12 and 14,respectively. Terminal portion 52 of outer surface 43 further includesnotch 54. As hereinafter described, notch 54 is configured to indicateto a user of insert 18 the depth with which to drive insert 18 into oneof first and second frame members 12 and 14, respectively.

Outer surface 43 of the insert 18 further includes a body portion 56formed between the first and second ends 42 and 44, respectively,thereof. Body portion 56 includes threads 58 disposed about thecircumference thereof. Threads 58 are intended for threading insert 18into slot 26 in a corresponding face 24 b-24 d of a frame member, e.g.first and second frame members 12 and 14, respectively, as hereinafterdescribed.

Nut 20 is configured to be slidably or otherwise inserted into one ofslots 26 in the first and second frame members 12 and 14, respectively.Nut 20 is defined by first and second end faces 51 and 53, respectively.First and second end faces 51 and 53, respectively, are spaced by agenerally convex surface 57. Surface 57 of nut 20 includes first arcuateportion 59 having an outer edge 59 a and an inner edge 59 b. First flatportion 61 extends from inner edge 59 b of first arcuate portion 59 andterminates at edge 63 which is generally parallel to inner edge 59 b.Second arcuate portion 65 of surface 57 extends from edge 63 andterminates at terminal edge 66.

Nut 20 further includes engagement surface 67 extending from first endface 51 to second end face 53, and between outer edge 59 a and edge 66.Engagement surface 67 is defined by first outer abutment wall 69extending from outer edge 59 a and terminating at edge 71. First innerabutment wall 73 extends from edge 71 and terminates at edge 74.Generally planar upper face 75 of engagement surface 67 of nut 20extends from edge 74 to edge 76. Threaded apertures 60 extend into upperface 75 along corresponding axes generally perpendicular thereto, forreasons hereinafter described. The number and location of aperturesprovided in upper face 75 may vary without deviating from the scope ofthe present invention. Second inner abutment wall 77 extends from edge76 and terminates at inner edge 79. Second outer abutment wall 81extends from inner edge 79 and terminates at terminal edge 66. As bestseen in FIG. 3, first and second inner abutment walls 73 and 77,respectively, diverge from each other and first and second outerabutment walls 69 and 81, respectively, also diverge from each other,for reasons hereinafter described.

Fastener 22 includes head 62 at first end 64 thereof. Head 62 includesrecess 72 therein which defines a socket having a hexagonal or otherpolygonal or non-polygonal cross-section adapted for receiving a tool orother instrument configured for engagement therewith in a matingrelationship. It can be appreciated that the socket may have otherconfigurations without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention. Fastener 22 is further defined by a second end 83, oppositeto first end 64, and an outer surface 85, defining a generallycylindrical shank 70. Shank 70 has a diameter less than the diameter ofthrough-bore 46 through insert 18 so as to allow shank 70 to passtherethrough. Outer surface 85 includes a threaded portion 68 forreceipt in a threaded aperture 60 in nut 20.

With additional reference now to FIGS. 2 and 4, first and second framemembers 12 and 14, respectively, are coupled to one another by fasteningarrangement 16, as hereinafter described. More specifically, nut 20 ispositioned in slot 26 in a desired face, e.g. face 24 a, of second framemember 14 at a predetermined location. By way of example, nut 20 ispositioned such that first end 51 of nut 20 is adjacent a desired end,e.g. end 25, of second frame member 14. In addition, insert 18 isthreaded into a desired slot 26 in a desired face, e.g. face 24 a, offirst frame member 12 such that threads 58 in outer surface 43 of theinsert 18 mesh with first and second outer abutment walls 32 and 34,respectively, and wall 40 defining slot 26, thereby securely retaininsert 18 therein. Insert 18 is threaded into a desired slot 26 untilsuch point as notch 54 in outer surface 43 of insert 18 is aligned in agenerally common plane with a selected end, e.g. end 25, of first framemember 12, FIG. 4. In this manner, the user of the fastening arrangement16 is able to determine when to cease advancing insert 18 to preventover tightening and potentially damaging first and second frame members12 and 14, respectively.

With insert 18 threaded into slot 26 in first frame member 12, first andsecond frame members 12 and 14, respectively, are position adjacent eachother, such that end 25 of first frame member 12 abuts face 24 a ofsecond frame member 14. In addition, terminal portion 52 of outersurface 43 of insert 18 is seated between first and second sidewalls 28and 30, respectively, defined partially slot 26 in face 24 a of secondframe member 14 and second end 44 of insert 18 engages upper face 75 ofnut 20. As described, it is intended for first and second frame members12 and 14, respectively, to be positioned such that bore 46 throughinsert 18 is axially aligned with a desired threaded aperture 60 in nut20.

Once bore 46 through insert 18 is axially aligned with a desiredthreaded aperture 60 in nut 20, fastener 22 is inserted through the bore46 of the insert 18 and advanced so as to engage bore 60 in nut 20.Thereafter, a tool or other instrument may be used to engage recess 72in head 62 of fastener 22 in a mating relationship to facilitate thethreading of threaded portion 68 of shaft 70 of fastener 22 intoaperture 60 in nut 20. It can be appreciated that as fastener 22 istightened onto nut 20, first and second frame members 12 and 14,respectively, become joined. Further, it is noted the terminal portion52 of outer surface 43 of insert 18 seated between first and secondsidewalls 28 and 30, respectively, expands and becomes embedded intofirst and second sidewalls 28 and 30, respectively, of second framemember 14. The embedding of the terminal portion 52 of outer surface 43of insert 18 relative to the second frame member 14 serves to fix thefirst frame member 12 with respect to second frame member 14 therebycausing frame assembly 10 to resist torsional forces which may beapplied thereto.

Referring generally to FIGS. 5-8, and in particular to FIG. 5, analternative construction of the frame assembly 110 is illustrated. Theframe assembly 110 is configured so that first and second frame members12 and 14, respectively, are coupled to one another in a end-to-endabutting manner so as to form a longitudinally extending framestructure. First and second frame members 12 and 14, respectively, areconfigured to be joined to one another by a fastening arrangement,generally designated by the reference numeral 116.

Fastening arrangement 116 includes first insert 18, as heretoforedescribed, and a second insert 118 configured to be coupled to oneanother. Second insert 118 has a generally cylindrically shape andincludes a first end 120, a second opposite end 122, and an outersurface 124. Second insert 118 further includes an inner surface 126defining a through-bore 128 or opening in which fastener 22 may bereceived. Inner surface 126 of second insert 118 includes a threadedportion 130 adapted for receiving threaded portion 68 of shaft 70 offastener 22 in a mating relationship, as hereinafter described. Headportion 132 is provided at first end 120 of second insert 118 anddefines an outwardly extending collar integrally formed with the rest ofsecond insert 118. Head portion 132 includes a recess 134 therein thatdefines socket 136 having a hexagonal or other polygonal ornon-polygonal cross-section and being adapted for receiving a tool orother instrument configured for engagement therewith in a matingrelationship. It can be appreciated that the socket 136 may have otherconfigurations without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention.

Second end 122 of second insert 118 includes a frustoconical recess 135formed therein. Recess 135 is defined by sidewall 133 projecting alongthe axis of bore 128 and terminal wall 139, generally perpendicular tothe axis of bore 128. Terminal wall 139 includes an opening 141 thereincommunicating with bore 128 so as to allow shaft 70 of fastener 22 topass therethrough, as hereinafter described. Outer surface 124 of secondinsert 118 includes body portion 137 integrally formed between first andsecond ends 120 and 122, respectively, thereof. Body portion 137includes threads 138 disposed about the circumference thereof. Threads138 are intended for threading second insert 118 into the slot 26 in acorresponding face 24 b-24 d of a frame member, e.g. first and secondframe members 12 and 14, respectively, as hereinafter described.

Fastening arrangement 116 further includes a centering member 140configured to be received between the first and second inserts 18 and118, respectively, when assembled. Centering member 140 has a generallyfrustoconical shape defined by inner and outer surface 142 and 144,respectively. As best seen in FIG. 8, outer surface 144 of centeringmember 140 includes a generally ring-shaped shoulder 146 formed therein.Shoulder 146 is adapted for engagement with second end 122 of secondinsert 118, as hereinafter described.

With additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, first and second framemembers 12 and 14, respectively, are coupled to one another by fasteningarrangement 116. More specifically, insert 18 is threaded in an end,e.g. end 25, of first frame member 12 and into a desired slot 26 in adesired face, e.g. face 24 a, of first frame member 12 such that threads58 in outer surface 43 of the insert 18 mesh with first and second outerabutment walls 32 and 34, respectively, and wall 40 defining slot 26,thereby securely retaining inset 18 therein. Insert 18 is threaded intoa desired slot 26 until such point as notch 54 in outer surface 43 ofinsert 18 is aligned in a generally common plane with a selected end,e.g. end 25, of first frame member 12. In this manner, the user offastening arrangement 116 is able to determine when to cease advancinginsert 18 into first frame member 12 so as to prevent over tighteningand potential damage to first frame member 12.

In addition, second insert 118 is threaded in an end, e.g. end 27, ofsecond frame member 14 and into slot 26 in a desired face, e.g. face 24a, of second frame member 14 such that threads 138 about body portion137 of second insert 118 mesh with first and second outer abutment walls32 and 34, respectively, and wall 40 defining slot 26, thereby securelyretaining second inset 118 therein. Second insert 118 is threaded intoslot 26 until such point as second end 122 of second insert 118 isgenerally co-planar with a selected end, e.g. end 27, of second framemember 14. Centering member 140 is seated within recess 134 in secondend 122 of second insert 118 such that shoulder 146 of centering member140 engages second end 122 of second insert 118, FIG. 8.

With insert 18 threaded into slot 26 in first frame member 12 and secondinsert 118 threading into slot 26 in second frame member 14, first andsecond frame members 12 and 14, respectively, are position adjacent eachother, such that end 25 of first frame member 12 abuts end 27 of secondframe member 14. As best seen in FIG. 8, with end 25 of first framemember 12 abutting end 27 of second frame member 14, terminal portion 52of outer surface 43 of insert 18 is seated against inner surface 142 ofcentering member 140. As described, it is intended for first and secondframe members 12 and 14, respectively, to be positioned such that bore46 through insert 18 to be axially aligned with bore 128 through secondinsert 118.

Once bore 46 through insert 18 to be axially aligned with bore 128through second insert 118, fastener 22 is inserted through the bore 46of the insert 18 and advanced so as to engage threaded portion 130 ofinner surface 126 of second insert 118. Thereafter, a tool or otherinstrument may be used to engage recess 72 in head 62 of fastener 22 ina mating relationship and to facilitate the threading of threadedportion 68 of shaft 70 of fastener 22 into threaded portion 130 of innersurface 126 of second insert 118. It can be appreciated that as thefastener 22 is tightened on threaded portion 130 of inner surface 126 ofsecond insert 118, first and second frame members 12 and 14,respectively, become joined. Further, it is noted that as fastener 122is tightened, the centering member 120 is compressed between the firstand second inserts 18 and 118, respectively, which, in turn, centersfastener arrangement 116 relative to first and second frame members 12and 14, respectively.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited tothe embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modifiedforms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments andcombinations of members of different embodiments as come within thescope of the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A fastening arrangement for joining first and second framemembers to one another, each of the first and second frame membersincluding an elongated slot formed therein and a first face at alongitudinal end of the slot, the fastening arrangement comprising: afirst insert receivable in the slot of the first frame member, the firstinsert including: first and second opposite ends: an outer surfacehaving a threaded portion and a frustoconical portion extending from thesecond end of the first insert, the frustoconical portion including anotch formed therein at a location spaced from the threaded portion ofthe outer surface; and a through bore; a fastener extendable through thethrough bore of the first insert and including a threaded portion; and areceiver receivable within the slot in the second frame member andadapted for receiving at least a portion of the threaded portion of thefastener therein for coupling the first and second frame members;wherein the notch in the outer surface of the first insert is generallyco-planar with the first face of the first frame member with the firstinsert received in the slot of the first frame member so as to align thefirst insert within the slot of the first frame member.
 2. The fasteningarrangement of claim 1, wherein the receiver includes a nut having abore for receiving the threaded portion of the fastener therein in amating relationship.
 3. The fastening arrangement of claim 1, whereinthe receiver includes a second insert receivable in the slot of thesecond frame member, the second insert including first and secondopposite ends, and an inner surface defining a through boretherebetween, the inner surface including a threaded portion adapted forreceiving the threaded portion of the fastener in a mating relationship.4. The fastening arrangement of claim 3, further comprising a centeringmember positionable between the first and second inserts for centeringthe first and second inserts relative to one another along a commonaxis.
 5. The fastening arrangement of claim 1, wherein the threadedportion of the outer surface of the first insert is embeddable in thefirst frame member for securing the first insert thereto.
 6. Thefastening arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first insert extends alongan axis and wherein the outer surface of the first insert expandsradially outward with respect to the axis in response to the threadingof the threaded portion of the fastener into the receiver.
 7. Thefastening arrangement of claim 1, wherein the slot in the first framemember extends along an axis between the first face and a second facethereof and wherein the first insert extends along the axis of the slotin the first frame member.
 8. The fastening arrangement of claim 1,wherein the slot in the second frame member extends along an axisbetween the first face and a second face thereof.
 9. A method of joiningfirst and second frame members to one another, each of the first andsecond frame members including an elongated slot formed therein and afirst face at a longitudinal end of the slot, the method comprising thesteps of: positioning a first insert into the slot of the first framemember, the first insert including: first and second opposite ends, anouter surface having a threaded portion and a frustoconical portionextending from the second end, the frustoconical portion including anotch formed therein at a location spaced from the threaded portion, anda through-bore, placing a receiver having a bore into the slot of thesecond frame member; and inserting a fastener through the through-boreof the first insert and into engagement with the bore of the receiver soas to join the first frame member and the second frame member, whereinthe notch in the first insert is generally co-planar with the first faceof the first frame member, with the first insert received in the slot ofthe first frame member, so as to align the first insert within the slotof the first frame member.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the stepof inserting the fastener includes the additional step of urging thesurface of the first insert outward in response to the engagement of thefastener into the receiver.
 11. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising the step of positioning the first and second frame membersperpendicular to one another.
 12. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising the step of longitudinally aligning the first and secondframe members relative to one another.
 13. The method of claim 9,wherein the receiver includes a second insert receivable in the slot ofthe second frame member, the second insert including first and secondopposite ends, and an inner surface defining a through boretherebetween, the inner surface of the second insert adapted forreceiving the fastener in a mating relationship.
 14. The method of claim13 comprising the additional step of positioning a centering memberbetween the first insert and the second insert to center the first andsecond frame inserts relative to one another along a common axis as thefirst frame member and the second frame member are joined.
 15. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the receiver includes a nut having a boretherethrough for receiving the fastener in a mating relationship.